Musings of a Taiwanese-American Adoptee

let the adventure begin

Well, I booked a flight to Taiwan! That’s right, I’m going to Taipei, Taiwan in January. I’m beside myself! My adoption search contact here in the states, Tien, invited me awhile back to go with her when she travels to Taiwan. She’s going back to visit family for Chinese New Year, as well as take care of some business. Although there’s not much time to prepare, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to go with someone familiar with Taiwan. Luckily, I was able to book the same flight overseas, so Tien and I will be flying and meeting together for the first time since we first began corresponding, nearly two years ago. I’m very much looking forward to finally meeting face to face.

Today, I got my passport paperwork taken care of. I tried not to be too disappointed at how bad the photos came out! I’m also trying to decide on the best hotel to stay at and how to hire a travel guide who I can take with me everywhere I go. Within a week or two, I’ll begin taking Mandarin lessons. I’m just waiting on my new tutor to contact me. I won’t know enough to speak the language fluently before I go, but maybe I’ll be able to learn a few phrases.

This trip will be a milestone in my journey towards finding any living members of my birth family. And just as important, it’s an opportunity for me to connect with my birth culture, really for the first time. I know that it will be a memorable and life changing experience. Perhaps the first of more trips in the future back to the country where I was born, at least I hope so. I’m thrilled. I’ve never done anything quite like this, travel to another country without anyone else. In college, I was in a show choir, and we traveled internationally every other year. One year, we went to Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Ghaungzhou, New Delhi, Agra, and London. It was quite the experience and one that I enjoyed very much. I grew to love traveling abroad. I would love to travel to Hong Kong again and also to Seoul, Korea one day. For now, I’m Taiwan bound. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Chinese New Year!

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7 thoughts on “let the adventure begin”

I stumbled upon your blog today, and so excited to hear of your search. I’m an adoptive mama of a three year old from Ping Tung, Taiwan… and working on a second adoption for a little boy in foster care in Taiwan. I’ve also made friends with a 30something Taiwanese adoptee that grew up near my hometown. She and her twin sister reunited with their birth family a year ago. Would be happy to connect you if you wish.

I made the Taiwan R.O.C.ks blinkie graphic that you have on your blog. Would love to have you join us in Chicago in July of 2012 if you’d like to come! 🙂

Sarah, I’m so happy that you came across my blog! I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am to connect with other adoptees, as well as families who have and are adopting. To find others from Taiwan, or adopting from Taiwan is truly miraculous! What an amazing story your friend and her sister must have of reuniting with their birth family. I would really like if you were able to connect us. Would you mind if I contacted you through email and gave you my contact info/email?

I also love the Taiwan R.O.C. graphic you made! Thank you for your invitation to Chicago in July. It’s something i would love to attend and will see how I might be able to work it out. It’s so nice to connect with you!

I’m thrilled for you beyond words, Marijane. You must know we are as thrilled as you are about your trip. We are making the journey with you in spirit. Be sure your camera has enough storage to make lots and lots of pictures. Also, take a journal with you to document your experience day by day if not moment by moment.

Taking this opportunity for yourself inspires us all to experience our lives to the fullest. In a way, we all have our passports for Taiwain thanks to you, Marijane.

Thank you, Carole! You are always so supportive, and I’m happy that you’re with me in spirit. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and journal everyday that I’m in Taiwan. I’ll post along the way, as I plan to take my laptop with me!